Let’s review a step-by-step approaching for deploying a tensioned diagonal: The down-river end of the rope is a point of safety where additional rescuers are awaiting the victims and pull them out of the water onto land. Rescuers and victims can then “ride” the rope like a zip line, either in a boat attached to the rope or by holding onto “handles” connected to the rope while the rest of their body is in the water, allowing the current to push them down the line. The rope is set at an angle to the current, meaning there is an up-river end and down-river end coming across the river at about a 45-degree angle to the current. To paint a picture of the system, imagine a rope stretched tightly across a river. The system is referred to as a tensioned diagonal. We are going to lay out a simple system that allows many variables to be applied to it, resulting in the rescue of multiple victims in a safe and quick manner. So what else do we have to work with? Learn the tensioned diagonal system Plus, if proper coaching techniques aren’t used, victims often let go of the throw bags before they can be secured. Throws should always be our initial focus, but throw bags cannot always reach the victims. For example, in many bodies of water, the current can quickly exceed the output of a motorized watercraft, resulting in boats that are not easy to control, not to mention additional victims in need of rescue. Well-intentioned emergency services personnel rush into motorcraft or throwing operations without weighing all the options.

Too many times, these swiftwater rescue operations turn out less than desirably for local responders. Ready, set, go! When initial plans don’t cut it …

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